Last week I watched the movie “Lucy”. Have you seen it? It’s a great Hollywood movie starring Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman with quite an interesting subject: Nootropics aka Smart Drugs. Now, I’m not writing an article supporting drug use, but I think memory & cognitive enhancers are an extremely intriguing topic, especially for people interested in the potentials of the human mind, and self-mastery. The movie states, “The average person uses 10% of their brain capacity. Today she will hit 100%.”

In the modern world many people’s lives are extremely success driven and they tend to have two objectives:

Carpe Diem, “seize the day”. To live life to the fullest potential.

Self-mastery in order to be faster, stronger, and to become a fully realized human being.

Now nootropics can come in two different forms, pharmaceuticals or supplements. Both have the goal to improve mental functions such as cognition, memory, intelligence, motivation, attention, and concentration. In brief, they aim to improve your cognitive capabilities. They usually affect the brain’s supply of neurochemicals such as enzymes and hormones by enhancing oxygen supply or nerve growth. Of these two forms, pharmaceuticals can still have adverse effects. Which leaves us again, to nature’s solution and magic, “herbs”.

My TOP 5 list of the most amazing natural herbsyou can use to live to your fullest potential –

Reishi Mushroom – Reishi has been the most revered mushroom in Asia for over 2,000 years and the Chinese say this mushroom can take you to a “dimension of transcendent reality.” Reishi helps promote healthy brain chemistry, memory & concentration.

Gotu-Kola Leaf – Gotu kola has been highly regarded in India for thousands of years and is perhaps the most spiritual of all herbs. It is used by yogis to improve meditation and is said to develop the crown chakra, which is the energy center at the top of the head. It will also bring balance to the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Rhodiola Rosea – Rhodiola has a legendary history dating back thousands of years. The Vikings depended on the herb to enhance their physical strength and endurance, while Chinese emperors sent expeditions to Siberia to bring back “the golden root” for medicinal uses. In the brain, Rhodiola helps to improve various parameters of brain function including attention, memory, thought formation, calculating, evaluating, planning, and overall learning.

Cordyceps Mushroom – The risk of cognitive decline and dementia increases with age. Researchers have found a significant increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes whose activity was decreased by the aging process. The structure of the hippocampus, a brain area in which degenerative changes had occurred, increased strongly by supplementation with Cordyceps. The research suggests that Cordyceps sinensis helps keep the brain healthy with age, both structurally and functionally, partly by improving the antioxidant status.

Siberian Eleuthero Root – Also known as Siberian Ginseng, has been used in Asia for many centuries. It is known for its ability to support the brain and can improve memory, as well as, focus and general brain function. Siberian ginseng contains many chemicals that affect the brain, immune system, and certain hormones. It might also contain chemicals that have activity against some bacteria and viruses.

Now, I think it’s clear that the benefits of neuro enhancers are very much in line with the objectives of the modern digital era. The growing demands of the 21st century push people to look for new options, and natural solutions often seem to be the “best way.”

Wishing you to live the life you dream! And, please share & tweet this article.

Although we rarely think about the endocrine system, it influences almost every cellular function in our body. The endocrine system plays a role in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism, as well as, sexual function and reproductive processes.

The endocrine system includes the areas in our body that regulate and produce hormones. Hormones act out as messengers that allow our cells to communicate and produce a coordinated effect. Without our endocrine system, various parts of the body would work independently from one another. Some of the organs that produce hormones includes; the pineal gland (aka “the third eye), the thyroid, the pancreas, the ovaries and testes, and the adrenal glands. The hormone levels fluctuate through the day and are released in a pulsating manner throughout the hour, day and month. This release is set by the circadian rhythm. Melatonin can be considered the re-set button for the circadian rhythm and it allows the body to recover and repair from daily activities. Melatonin is produced during the stage of deep sleep, making good healthy sleep critical for balancing the endocrine system.

What are the top factors that unbalance the endocrine system?

Inadequate sleep.

Environmental pollutants like exhaust and paint fumes, pesticides, heavy metals, smoking, and estrogens found in water bottles and makeup.

A lack of Vitamin D from not getting out in the sun. Vitamin D is a potent modulator of the endocrine system, especially with the sex hormones.

Stress – will cause a consistent rise in cortisol from the adrenals. This will alter neurotransmitter production and will deplete nutrients needed to produce other hormones and neurotransmitters. These stressors will steal the production line away from other needed hormones and burn through key nutrients such as the B vitamins, zinc, and Vitamin C. Stress can be more than just an emotional stress, it can also be from a physical stress such as imbalanced blood sugar, chronic pain and disease, inflammation, food allergies, and indigestion.

Nature’s Top Two Medicines for Endocrine Health

Eleuthero, also known as “Siberian Ginseng”, is an adaptogenic herb commonly recommend for people with endocrine system conditions. The main function of this herb is to reduce the effects of stress on the body. By being an adaptogenic herb, it helps the body adapt to environmental and physical stressors. Eleuthero has also been used by athletes to help improve performance and to minimize the effects of competitive stress. It also has been used during certain treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, as it can sometimes help counter the side effects associated with these treatments. Eleuthero is immune modulating, so it can benefit those people with autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Of course just as is the case with any herb, the effectiveness of Eleuthero depends on the dosage, the part of the plant used and the quality of the herb.

Suma, aka Para Todo (For All Things) is called “Brazilian Ginseng” by some herbalists and is one of the most highly valued South American plants. While not a true member of the Panax ginseng family, it is an authentic adaptogenic herb, and as such brings about a normalizing effect on your body and can help regulate and enhance your endocrine, nervous, digestive, cardiovascular and immune systems. South American Natives have used Suma to treat wounds, skin rashes, low energy and sexual dysfunction.

Suma also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate chronic and acute pain. The root is also quite valuable nutritionally as it contains essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and trace elements. The overall effect is to give you an increased resistance to stress while having a cell-building and regenerating effect. Suma root is becoming quite popular because of its high content of several plant hormones.

If you’d like to try Eleuthero, it can be found in our Energy, Immortal and Yoga Formulas. Suma Root is available in our Testosterone Formula. All of which can be purchased at https://squareup.com/market/ancientbotanicals We are currently running a special, so get yours today!

Using Nature To Unlock Our Immortality

Immortality has always been a dream of conscious humans. The desire to avoid death and live eternally is universal, profound and God-like.

Answers to the mystery of immortality have been growing in forests and jungles since the dawn of time.

I believe that it only makes sense that as consciousness in the animal kingdom evolves, so too should consciousness in the plant kingdom. The very same plants that help in the healing of diseases, infections and chronic illnesses can also help us to live longer, more productive and healthier lives.

The most powerful herbal medicines assist the body by unlocking the codes of what your genes can already do. These most effective herbs are known as adaptogens, which assist the body in its natural task of maintaining homeostasis—the delicate state of balance necessary for survival.

A body out of balance is considered to be in negative homeostasis, a condition in which the restorative and degenerative systems of the body may not function properly. If untreated this may eventually lead to symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia and other various sicknesses.

But adaptogens help the body adapt to, and compensate, for change. In a person with high blood sugar, for example, an adaptogenic herb might help to lower glucose levels in the body, whereas, in a person with low blood sugar, the herb would help to raise them.

One of the main things adding to your lifespan is an enzyme called telomerase. Have you ever gone camping and cut a rope, and then burned the end of it with a lighter to keep it from splitting? The telomerase works in the same way. It keeps the ends of your DNA from unraveling.

Unfortunately, every time your cells divide, some of this is lost, meaning you are breaking your body’s ability to regenerate itself every time you grow or heal. Adaptogenic herbs are programmed at finding ways to either rejuvenate telomerase or prevent its loss in the first place. I believe that in nature we can finds ways that could effectively halt or even reverse the aging process.

What are these herbal treasures, you ask?I have spent years researching the best adaptogens and medicinal mushrooms and here are the top three:

Astragalus

Astragalus and Life Force

Astragalus ranks as one of the most potent health tonics in the world. For over 2,000 years it has been one of the most popular tonic herbs used in Asia. Astragalus is said to strengthen the primary energy of the body and to tonify the three burning spaces, or in other words, to strengthen all metabolic, respiratory and eliminative functions.

As an energizer, Astragalus is famed for its strengthening effects on the outside of the body, in particular to the musculature. It is therefore beneficial in particular to adults who tend to be physically active and require abundant external energy. In China, Astragalus is sometimes considered superior to Ginseng as an energizer for active people. Astragalus is used to strengthen the legs and arms and is commonly used by people who work outdoors, especially in the cold because of its strengthening and warming nature.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek and Growth Hormones

Fenugreek seeds contain chemicals known as saponins, which have a wide range of medicinal applications. Fenugreek’s saponins, in particular, are linked to stimulating release of growth hormone from pituitary cells. This gland is located right in the center or the brain, near the hypothalamus at the base of the skull. It’s only about the size of a pea, but it’s incredibly important. It secretes various hormones into the bloodstream to assist in several processes throughout the entire body. This gland is often referred to as the “master gland” because of its various roles in the body. The pituitary gland supports the adrenal glands, thyroid gland, ovaries and testes, which in turn produce other hormones.

Medicinal Mushroom Red Reishi

Health benefits of Reishi

Perhaps Reishi’s greatest potential medical benefit is its ability to strengthen the body’s immune system. Consumption of Reishi is therefore considered preventive and immune enhancing, rather than treatment for a specific disease. In addition to triterpenes in its fruiting body, Reishi mushroom also contains polysaccharides. These enzymes are found under the spores released under the cap of the mushroom. Reishi polysaccharides affect blood by increasing the white blood cells count, which boosts the immune system’s ability to fight disease.

Among the medicinal plants, Reishi is a potent adaptogen. It may assist the body in adapting to stresses of various kinds; these stressors may be temperature, trauma, sleep deprivation, exposure to toxins, radiation, infection, or psychological stress. Like adaptogens, Reishi shares the properties of causing no side effects with regular consumption; it helps an organism return to a state of equilibrium.

Red Reishi acts as an immune modulator—a substance that regulates, and fine-tunes the immune system. The primary responsibility of the immune system is to detect pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and other microbes that invade the body. Under normal circumstances, an intact immune system is capable of deterring most of these organisms before it causes any damage. However, if the immune system is compromised, viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi can proliferate and cause disease. Consuming Reishi eliminates these problems.

About Johnny Bailik

Johnny Andrew Gigliotti Bailik is the Founder of Ancient Botanicals with the mission to awaken the public to the ancient healing powers of herbs and plants. Ancient Botanicals is dedicated to bringing about bodily health and spiritual wellness in all acts of the company. Johnny holds a BFA degree in Fine Art & Advertising and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Johnny has been a life-long advocate of herbal plants & natural healing methods. Johnny has worked with Amgen Pharmaceuticals, American Botanical Pharmacy and Deutsch Advertising to name a few companies. He is also an artist, yogi, mountain biker, snowboarder and fitness junkie. Read more on his website. or onFacebook. Ancient Botanicals is also available on Pinterest.

Suma is often sold as the ground, dried root of a South American plant. Photo Credit Siri Stafford/Lifesize/Getty Images

Suma typically refers to the dried root of Pfaffia paniculata, a plant native to the Amazonian rain forests. According to the American Pharmaceutical Association’s “Practical Guide to Natural Medicines,” the plant’s berries, bark and leaves are also used medicinally. Known throughout the Amazon basin as “para todo,” which translates to “for all,” suma is consumed as an enhancer for general health and well-being. You should consult a physician prior to using suma or any herbal remedy.

How Suma Is Used

Suma is often sold in capsule or tablet form, but it is also available as a dried, often powdered, herb. Suma root was introduced to the United States as “Brazilian ginseng” to capitalize on the popularity of ginseng as a nutritional supplement. The “Practical Guide to Natural Medicines” notes that, in powdered form, suma is consumed two or three times per day in doses of 500 to 1,000 mg each time. Capsules of the dried root are also available, in 500 mg sizes, and are taken in doses of one or two, twice daily.

General Health

According to the American Pharmaceutical Association, herbalists in North America believe suma is an “energizing adaptogen,” which is something that boosts the immune system and combats low energy or fatigue. Herbalists have recommended suma to fight the exhaustion that occurs from viral infections such as Lyme disease and Epstein-Barr disease. It has also been used to by herbalists to control diabetes and hormonal imbalances due to menopause. However, no scientific or medical studies have confirmed the efficacy of such uses in humans. The Mayo Clinic notes that a serum that contains suma improved the appearance of dark circles under the eyes in one study. Check with you doctor before using suma.

Aphrodisiac

Native users in the Amazon and, more recently, sellers of nutritional supplements and Internet retailers, have long touted the aphrodisiac qualities of suma. A 1999 study published in the journal “Psychopharmacology” goes some distance in confirming this use for suma. The study was performed on male rats that were impotent or “sexually sluggish.” Results showed that an extract made from the Pfaffia paniculata plant improved the impotent rats’ ability to perform sexually, supporting “the folk reputation of… Pfaffia paniculata as [a] sexual stimulant.” No human subjects were included in the study, however. Another study, published in a 2003 issue of the “Journal of Reproductive Development,” noted that suma raised progesterone and testosterone levels in lab mice. Ask your doctor about suma and its claimed sexual enhancement qualities.

Cancer

Based on its reputation as an energy-giving enhancer of overall health, suma has been studied as a potential treatment for cancers. The effects of suma on cancers is still largely unproven in humans, but research indicates that suma may have great potential in cancer treatment applications. According to the “Practical Guide to Natural Medicines,” a Japanese study used suma derivatives to inhibit the growth of melanoma tumors in a test tube; the researchers also observed anti-tumor effects of suma in mice. A 2010 study in “Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology” showed that suma controlled the proliferation of cells as well as apoptosis, or cell death, in laboratory mice. Suma has not yet been shown to be effective as a cancer inhibitor in humans. Ask your doctor about the use of suma as a cancer treatment.

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4 Persimmon Varieties at Your Farmers Market Now

The custardy flesh of a Hachiya, soft and squishy as jelly when it is ripe, makes a sweet, candy-like dessert. We must patiently wait until it is soft almost squishy ripe, and then dig into the gelatinous goo. But woe is you if you try to eat a Hachiya before its time. This is known as an astringent variety, which means it will be bitter and unpleasant unless it is perfectly, squishy-ripe.

Cinnamon Persimmons are a sub variety of Hachiya, except this kind isn’t astringent, so you can eat it when firm or slightly soft. The outside tends towards pale yellow, and the inside is speckled with cinnamon-colored flecks.

The crisp Fuyu is also much more forgiving than a Hachiya, since you eat it when it is firm. Think of it like an apple, in that it is crisp, you eat the skin, and all you need remove is the top green leaves and maybe a small center core. I love to dehydrate these in myEXCALIBUR DEHYDRATOR. One of my fall favorite healthy and delicious snacks.

The Organic Sweet Pumpkin Persimmon is even sweeter than a Fuyu, a bit smaller, and eaten firm and crisp, like an apple. No need to peel the skin, unless you want to. These are gorgeous and delicious.

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Seattle Seahawks WR Dayvon Ross is one of those talents organizations should keep their eyes on.

After hauling in 67 balls for 930 yards and eight touchdowns in his final high school season, the 6-foot-1, 220-pound receiver caught the attention of some major college programs. After committing to play ball for the UCLA Bruins, Ross was forced to seek alternative avenues when the NCAA deemed him ineligible due to missing a few required classes.

With brief stints at L.A. Southwest College and East L.A. College, Ross again caught the eyes of a major college program in the University of Virginia, only to be turned down by the NCAA when some of his online courses couldn’t transfer.

Running out of options, Ross made the tough decision to take his talents to a Division II program in Wilberforce, OH, where he played for the Central State Marauders.

After sitting out three games due to NCAA sanctions, the speedster put together an impressive senior season, catching 60 passes for 926 yards and eight touchdowns.

Although Ross settled for playing football at a smaller college program, he has the size and skills to compete at the next level. A good route runner with excellent hands and a 40 yard dash time of 4.41, the California native compares his game to current star, Michael Crabtree.

With a path that’s been paved by the likes of other players from small schools, such as Pierre Garcon, Marques Colstonand Jerry Rice, Ross could easily be that next diamond in the rough.

Dayvon on Ancient Botanicals:

Dayvon states that he likes to use the Ancient Botanicals MUSCLE & ENERGY formulas for pre-training, as well as, during games. He also commented that it greatly helps to improve his energy and mental focus, while at the same time, he feels stronger and has more overall endurance.

Meditation has long been an issue for me. Not because I couldn’t “achieve the state,” but because I would achieve it as soon as I sat down and closed my eyes. This started back when I was a teenager, and since then my main goal was to learn how to understand the processes of meditation, to consciously direct a meditation rather than allow consciousness to leave my body spontaneously when that was not my intention. Years of studying this phenomenon have allowed me to systematically analyze and understand what meditation is and how it happens. That is what I wanted to share with you.

To begin with, many people think of meditation as the process of expanding consciousness. I, on the other hand, consider meditation to be the process of narrowing the consciousness, where the perceiving consciousness “leaves” the physical, energetic, and mental planes, one after the other, until it arrives fully present on the Soul plane and remains there for some time.

In a typical waking state, a person’s conscious perception exists simultaneously on four planes: the physical, energetic, mental, and Soul. In the final stage of the meditative process, on the other hand, consciousness exists only on the Soul plane and perceives only this plane. The other three planes switch to autonomous mode: without interference from conscious perception, the mental plane relaxes, and both the energy plane and the physical body are restored. After a quality meditative session, we feel rested, healed, and satiated.

The Meditative Process, or narrowing of perceptive consciousness, consists of three consecutive stages:

1. Perception leaves the physical plane — the “disappearance” of the body.

3. Perception leaves the mental plane — the “disappearance” of the mind.

After this, perception remains on just one plane, the Soul plane.

We do not touch on the highest, Spirit plane, because working on this plane is unnecessary and dangerous for the majority of incarnated beings.

To begin the meditative process, sit in any comfortable position. You can sit in an armchair, or a sofa, or lean against your headboard and extend your legs. If you really want to, you can sit in the “lotus” pose, although I do not recommend it (this pose is so physically challenging, even the most flexible practitioners have difficulty staying here longer than 20 minutes). No matter what position you choose, keep your spine straight.

To avoid straining your back muscles—and to be able to sit long enough—tuck the lower part of your sacrum inward, eliminating excess bend in your lower back. Besides helping you avoid low back pain, this also makes the position more stable and alleviates other muscle strain. Once you have found your position, close your eyes and shift your attention inward.

1. Sit motionlessly, without responding to discomfort or other physical impulses. It’s important not to scratch, fidget, sniffle, change arm positions, and so on. You have to simply wait out this period of an excited nervous system sending out various impulses. You will be uncomfortable. But anyone can do this. Gently “overpower yourself” and remain motionless, despite the impulses arising in the mind-body. Typically this period lasts 20-40 minutes. Just wait it out. Don’t do anything with your thoughts. It doesn’t matter at all if they exist or not, how many there are, or what they are. Your only task is not to move. Everything else doesn’t matter. As the mind-body calms, the impulses become fewer and the less you feel your body, until it almost completely “disappears” from your senses and your perception. As the gradual “disappearance of the body” process begins, I always take a few slow, deep, smooth breaths inward, which pulls the energy from the lower energy centers upward and helps to speed up this process.

2. The “disappearance” of the body automatically calms the breathing as well; breathing becomes more and more superficial, light, and shallow, until it almost completely “disappears” from your perception. Do not be afraid if it seems as though you have stopped breathing. You haven’t stopped, but the breath amplitude has been diminished as far as possible. This is how it should be. Don’t do anything with your breathing. Do not control it, or hold it, or perform any other deliberate actions at this stage, as that would merely hinder the naturally occurring process. Continue to focus your attention only on the motionlessness of your body, which will naturally cause the “disappearance” of breathing. Again, the presence of any thoughts does not matter. All that is needed is motionlessness and a lower frequency of mind-body impulses.

3. The “disappearance” of breathing automatically calms the mental plane as well, until that plane completely “disappears” from your perception. Many of us are unaccustomed to existing in a state of non-mind, so at first it may last for just a split second, after which you will be thrown back to one of the lower planes: you will again feel an impulse from the physical body or from your breathing, or feel your mental effort resuming. With time and practice, this will change.

Meditation, like Life itself, is not a result but a process, the process of transferring consciousness from one level to another.

Every time you meditate, you train the consciousness “muscle” to move between various planes: going forward or backward, knowing which plane you are on, and feeling where to go next. The process itself is a rich spiritual experience, which can teach you many things and allows you to learn much about yourself.

One of the most critical factors in human life is our “Health”. If the person is unhealthy, there is not as much that they can to do have a productive life. Keeping ourselves healthy in today’s world can be very challenging. From processed foods to environmental toxins, there is a host of things that can fatigue the body and cause sickness.

The three main ways of keeping good optimal health are:

Regular Exercise: We need to do exercise to keep or body fit and healthy. Whether it is cardio, weights, cross-fit, calisthenics yoga or team sports the main thing is to do it regularly and push yourself the whole time. Use the whole body, make sure those lungs are expanding and that heart rate is up. This is not a time to be a spectator.

Proper Diet: The food that we eat is one of the major causes of our sickness. If we love to eat processed and fatty foods then don’t be surprise if in the future you will suffer from hypertension, or kidney disorders, and other diseases. That’s why if you want to be and stay healthy, you need to pay close attention to what you eat. You need to eat nutritious foods like organic fruits and vegetables.

Take Herbal Supplements: this could be optional but since the food that we eat nowadays are not that safe and nutritious, supplements are required especially to those people who always feel down & weak. Supplements could help you become energized and also boost up your immune system so you won’t get easily sick.

Conclusion: If you pay close attention to these three factors and practice them regularly, your health will be optimal and you should be able to enjoy it for many, many years.

Roseroot is also known by the common names Rhodiola, Rosenroot, Golden Root, Arctic Root, Orpin Rose, Rhodiole Rougeatre. Legend has it that roseroot was in used by the Vikings as a medicine and for its strengthening properties & to increase stamina. It is know in Iceland that roseroot is used to “enhance the intellect”, “reverse physical weakness” and “to restore weak nerves”. In Sweden the Lapps or indigenous people are said to chew on bits of roots during long journeys to give them much needed endurance. And note: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) states that roseroot “contributes to optimal mental and cognitive activity”.

History of Roseroot

A unique arctic herb that grows and thrives in dry, sandy ground at high altitudes. Roseroot has a legendary history dating back thousands of years. In 77 A.D., the Greek physician Dioscorides documented the medical applications of the plant. The Vikings depended on the herb to enhance their physical strength and endurance, while Chinese emperors sent expeditions to Siberia to bring back “the golden root” for medicinal preparations.

Research on Roseroot aka Rhodiola rosea and other medicinal herbs was part of the Soviet Union’s great push to compete with the West in military development, the arms race, space exploration, Olympic sports, science, medicine, and industry. It is a popular plant in traditional medical systems in Eastern Europe and Asia, with a reputation for stimulating the nervous system, decreasing depression, enhancing work performance and eliminating fatigue.

Rhodiola rosea (pronounced /”Roh-dee-oh-luh Rose-ay-uh”/) is a powerful adaptogen that increases resistance to physical and mental stress. However, rhodiola does much more than that. It also enhances your mood, focus and physical energy while reducing anxiety, depression and fatigue. And the list of benefits goes on. It is one of those rare and magical herbs that has so many varied benefits, you have to marvel at how Mother Nature could concentrate so much healing power into a single plant!

For the use of:

• Mental exhaustion

• Low energy

• Weakened immune system

• Stress

• Tiredness and loss of vitality

Effect:

• Increases physical and mental performance

• Prevents tiredness and loss of vitality

• Lessen physical and mental stress (depression)

• Increases the resistance to cold and flu

• Increase sexual lust

• Improves mental mood and outlook

Constituents

Phenylpropanoids such as rosavin, rosarin and rosin are typical components of Rhodiola rosea root. Other constituents include salidroside (a hydroxyphenethyl (tyrosol) glucoside) and the monoterpene rosiridin. Salidroside is present in a variety of species, including some outside the Rhodiola genus. The term rosavins is used collectively for rosavin, rosin and rosarin. Because of the occurrence of salidroside in other species, Rhodiola extracts are best standardised for both rosavins and salidroside. The naturally occurring ratio of rosavins to salidroside in the authentic root is approximately 3:1.

Other species containing salidroside but not rosavins have been substituted for R. rosea. Analysis of commercial samples of Rhodiola available in the United States in 2000 found that although all of the samples contained R. rosea extracts, the amounts of phenylpropanoid constituents were lower than in the reference plant material, suggesting admixture with other species. The daily dose of phenylpropanoid constituents varied widely from 0.78 to 6.87 mg, based on the manufacturers recommended tablet dosage.Russian experience in the 1980s found that products manufactured with Rhodiola root not containing rosavins were therapeutically inferior.

Other constituents of Rhodiola root include flavonoids, tannins and an essential oil. (In comparison with some other medicinal roots, Rhodiola root contains a low content of essential oil.) In terms of the characteristic rose fragrance of the root, several compounds with a rose odor and other floral notes have been identified from specimens grown in Norway. Geraniol was found to be the main rose-like odor compound, which is one of the most abundant monoterpene alcohols in the essential oil from roses.